Outterwear for Winter Travel

One of the things to consider is how much time you will be planning to be outside...do you want to walk about? If so, which I do recommend, then I would recommend the following.
Although the peacoat might be bulky, you will most likely want something this warm. The leather jacket will be good with some additions. Beyond the coat, bring a hat, scarf and gloves. Bring a wool sweater, plenty of warm socks - even a pair of tights to wear under pants.

It is hard to tell how someone will react to the climate. Coming from California you may find that the climate will make you feel like a frozen dinner. The wind, little sun and cool temperatures combined with the humidity can eat through a coat and get you to your core.

Good advice from K and J above. Jona's last paragraph reminded me of how I felt the cold one December in Paris, and I'm a Montrealer ! I always take my Australian raincoat to Europe when we travel in fall or winter. It is waxed canvas, sturdy and takes abuse with Australian forbearance, but that particular December, even with many layers underneath, I was chilled to the bone one day. So I bought a heavy wool shawl (on Rick's famous rue Cler, the one time I've ever been on the street), and with that shawl wrapped around me, over the coat, I began to enjoy the day.

You may have some ski clothing that will be ok for Paris. I always need to have my ears, neck and hands covered in cold weather. Of course, if you find yourself still cold you will have an excuse to go shopping in Paris. A couple of times I've bought one of those long, inexpensive scarves available in many shops around the city. The vest sounds like a good idea in a layering system; you can pack it in a snall bag and use it for a pillow, too.

Packing layers is the key to being comfortable while still packing light. Bring clothes that mix and match and can be layered for warmth.

A rain and wind proof shell is a big part of staying warm.

When we travel, we pack for a range of temperatures from warm to cool. If it gets really cold we go to a department store and pick up a knit cap, scarf and gloves for added warmth then bring them home as souvenirs.

I grew up in San Diego then went to college in Sacramento. Sacramento gets pretty cold and wet in the winter (although I've been to much colder climes since), layering that works in Sacramento will work for everything except a real cold snap in Paris.

Wear good wool socks. I buy mine from LLBean, but I hear good things about SmartWool. That will make a big difference in how cold you feel.

Hi Andrea,

Well, from one California girl to another I had the same problem when we traveled to London and Edinburgh in Dec/Jan in 2007. Here is what I packed: 2 pairs long pants (corduroy), wore jeans on plane. 3 long sleeved t shirts , fleece vest, 3 turtlenecks and a wool sweater. I also packed a set of long underwear and wool socks. For a coat, I bought a quilted down coat (it wasn't a bulky one and was very popular - I saw tons of women with the same type of coat) - I chose it because it was waterproof and warm - two things you will need on your trip! Also packed a hat, gloves and scarf. Bottom line, think in terms of layers. For example, I could wear long underwear, turtleneck, sweater and coat. I found that I stayed nice and warm - even at midnight in Edinburgh with this wardrobe. ! Wool socks for your feet are a must if you will be outside in the evenings for any length of time.
The only problem with the pea coat is if it rains - as for the leather, I don't know if it will keep you warm enough but with enough layers underneath it might work just fine.
So, bottom line, my best recommendations are long underwear and wool socks!

Thanks to all for your advice. My prior experience has been in the summer, so I have been a little nervous about whether I will be warm enough. I love walking around Paris, so I hope the weather will cooperate. Now I just have to worry about shoes... :) I have some UGG boots (Kona is the style), not the really clunky ones, but they are comfortable and warm. Not sure how they would be...

I second the recommendation for long underwear. It was thin, lightweight, and did great for keeping me warm.

Also remember your accessories. A pair of gloves and a scarf (preferably bought in Paris!) will help if the temperatures are down.

I packed warm cashmere/wool blend socks and wore those with my usual black shoes and my feet were fine. Blister-prevention recommends wearing two pairs of socks anyway, so a little extra layering will keep the toes warm.

Hi from a Bay Arean living in London.

Just to back up what the others have said, LAYERS are the key!

Paris isn't as cold as we Californians would imagine in Dec/January. Really. ;-)

I usually wear a wool coat with a hat, scarf and gloves. I like silk long janes if I know I will be spending a lot of time outside and knee highs and boots.

Just think that you want layers you can remove so you don't want to overheat when you do go into a cafe or museum.

I generally go to Paris in Nov but went once in Feb. I froze the first day until I stopped in a shop & bought a wool neck scarf which is what just about everyone else was wearing. Instant warmth. Guess it's all about keeping your neck warm. Everyone's mentioned layers & I agree. I wear long sleeved fitted tees with a cashmere sweater over. The sweater is both thin & warm. Over that I wear a wool jacket that buttons to the neck (the jackets similar to a blazer). In Feb, I also needed a wool coat. In Nov, the lightweight jacket over the tee & sweater is enough. Also, bring a raincoat. It'll probably help keep out wind. Gloves, of course. Buy a hat there - I love my Paris hat. Since you'll be inside as much or more as outside, you'll need to dress for both. I don't need heavy socks as my feel don't get cold - It's whatever you need. I love Paris & particularly like the cafe's in winter. I love sitting inside warm & cozy by a heater next to the windows. Hope you have a great trip.

Thanks again for all the help. So many people are mentioning a wool neck scarf, but aren't they itchy?

Hi Andrea,

I don't know if this will help, but my husband and I will be traveling in late Oct/Nov to Europe.

We found that North Face Bionic Jackets are the best winter coats. (We live in Spokane, WA which can get brutal winters). This jacket is slim, but yet keeps you so incredibly warm. Its not water proof, but I have worn it in downpours and it works great. I have even started wearing it when we go skiing.

Also for us with our packs on it doesn't create an uncomfortable feeling. I noticed they start going on sale around thanksgiving/christmas time for about $100. Just watch the sales any sporting good store carries them.

I should have added waterproof shoes are helpful. The biggest chance to be miserable is if you get wet. If you are dry, it's much easier to stay warm with some decent wool socks. Under a rain shell a fleece keeps you warm even if it gets wet.

We are going to Germany in Dec..was wondering what kind of shoes to take? I was taking uggs wannabes but think they might get really soaked..they are waterproofed..

What kind of shoes are you taking?

What kind of shoes am I taking? That is one of the things I am still considering and not quite sure about. I have some Uggs (Kona is the style) that I have waterproofed with spray meant for Uggs. If I wear them I would apply more waterproofing. They are very warm and comfortable, and with pants worn over them they just look like suede shoes. I have a hard time finding shoes that are comfortable for me, including most of the shoes everyone claims are the best, most comfortable shoes to wear! I hope (if the weather cooperates) to do plenty of walking. I will need to bring one more pair of shoes, but don't really know what. I am having a hard time convincing my 20 year old daughter that high heels not only are not necessary, but that they are a very bad idea. She's at the age where looking cute is more important that practicality. I think I'm getting through to her though... :) I would love any shoe thoughts and ideas from all you traveling experts and winter dressers.

The first January I spent in paris I wore a trench coat, sweater, and long sleeves. It was fine...I was younger. Now I find my leather jacket without it's zip in liner, and a boiled wool sweater/jacket is perfect. My husband opts for his zip-in lining. The gloves, scarf and hat are the most important accessories, and I think are really what determine if you are warm or not. We spend most of our days outside, walking, and we are fine. As you are from California, assuming southern end, you might want to add silk underwear.

For your daughter, how about some leather boots instead of heels? She could find some with a shorter heel that would look great but still be warmer and more supportive. We have traveled in Paris many winters and it seemed every woman in Paris was wearing similar boots this past winter. I also noticed that converse seemed to be the trend for younger Europeans this past winter. I personally would hesitate on the Uggs if the sole is not that supportive. Something that is comfy like slippers won't be comfy after walking severals miles over cobblestones and steps. Also, it has hard to completely blend it, but if it is something that you are trying for, you will not see Parisian women wearing Uggs. All that said, take whatever is most comfortable - you don't want to be miserable in something you don't enjoy wearing. Have a great time!

Hi Andrea!

Ah yes, the shoe dilemma!! When I was in London and Scotland I took two pairs of shoes - one pair of black slip on echos and one pair of softspots - the style was an oxford type. One thing I found very helpful was a pair of liners - I got mine at The Walking Company. Took the sole liner that came with the shoes out and replaced it with the ones I bought at The Walking Company - I found that the liners I bought offered more support and molded to my feet and made both pairs of shoes much more comfortable to wear. I wouldn't suggest taking the Uggs - since they are suede they are going to get really beat up/dirty in Paris, especially if it rains! If you haven't checked Zappos (www.Zappos.com) I highly recommend them - free shipping and returns and they have a huge selection of "comfort" type shoes - many of which are somewhat stylish. Get your shoes early and then WEAR them - a LOT!!
Happy shopping!!!

I was taking sock liners. Well I thought the UGGs wouldn't have enough support walking over those cobblestones. I have a pr of Finn clogs..taking those..have a pr of Zeeta's..can wear both with smartwool socks...might check out boots before I go..thanks

Andrea -- I live in the SF Bay Area, and I agree with Jona's advice. I was in Paris last January and wore a long black, fake sheepskin coat with furry lining. I walked all over Paris in it and it was perfect. Also had a pashmina scarf for around my neck. (You must have a nice, soft big scarf -- you will see everyone wearing them). A couple of days I wore a hat too, though for some reason I didn't need my gloves. Your pea coat or leather jacket sounds perfect. I think the down vest will be a bit too sporty for Paris.

In northern France in December and January, I recommend bring the wool pea coat, and the down filled vest (if it can fit under the pea coat), and a wool sweater. The down filled vest should fit in your travel bag.

The thing I remember about being in France as a student in winter over 40 years ago is that my feet got cold. The cathedrals don't have central heating and the stone floors just pulled the warmth out of my feet. Today I would wear woolen hiking socks. My favorite pair from an outfitters store are wool and alpaca. I went half a size longer and wider in my walking shoes to accommodate heavy socks.